The first frame of the animation shows where the bird can find a suitable climate today (based on data from 2000). The next three frames predict where this bird’s suitable climate may shift in the future—one frame each for 2020, 2050, and 2080.

An expert in the art of camouflage, the American Bittern is famous for its odd, “pumping” song and for pointing its bill toward the heavens and freezing in place to avoid predators. This tactic works well in a reed bed, but not so much when in the open. The species’ migratory nature may allow it to adapt to changing climate. Only 16 percent of its summer range is predicted to remain unaffected by climate change. Its winter range is only slightly less affected. Audubon's climate model predicts major shifts in both the summer and winter areas of suitable climate, but the total amount of area available in both seasons doesn’t change very much.

Species Range Change from 2000 to 2080

The size of the circles roughly indicates the species’ range size in 2000 (left) and 2080 (right).

The amount of overlap between the 2000 circle and the 2080 circle indicates how stable the range will be geographically. Lots of overlap means the bird’s range doesn’t shift much. No overlap means the species will leave its current range entirely.